ALEXA SXT W

Ready to unplug

The ALEXA camera system is known for its exceptional image performance that is simple to operate, reliable in even the most extreme environments and versatile enough to cover a wide range of workflow and budget requirements.

Based on this proven technology is the ALEXA SXT W: It has a built-in video transmitter which makes the camera smaller and lighter than it would be with an external transmitter. It also means fewer cables around the camera and fewer associated problems, since cable failure is by far the most common technical hitch on set. Camera setup and power-up are quicker, and productions are able to move faster.

ARRI Wireless Video System

The ALEXA SXT W forms part of a new and complete ARRI Wireless Video System (WVS), along with a stand-alone video transmitter for use with other ARRI or third-party cameras, and a stand-alone video receiver that picks up signals from either transmitter.

An extensive accessory range includes various mounting brackets, antenna extensions and the handheld Director’s Monitor Support (DMS-1), as well as a specially adapted Transvideo monitor with a built-in receiver for the ARRI transmitters. Whether using this monitor or others, the modular system allows for a compact and efficient setup. An extra power-out on the video receiver, for example, permits a single on-board battery to power both the receiver and an attached handheld monitor. A higher input voltage range allows more flexibility on battery choice.

Sample Setups

Between the camera, stand-alone transmitter, receiver, Starlite ARRI-WVS monitor and extensive range of accessories, any set can be made more efficient with the ARRI Wireless Video System. Up to four receivers (either WVR-1 or Starlite ARRI-WVS) can be used per transmitter and four to six transmitter/receiver groups can be used on the same set.

Here is a sample setup with four cameras:

ALEXA Quotes

I love working with ALEXA – you get rich, refined images with the immediacy of shooting digital.

ALEXA SXT W FAQ

With the ALEXA SXT W we introduced an integrated HD wireless video transmitter. The ALEXA LF continued using this built-in technology.The ALEXA SXT W replaces the ALEXA SXT Plus and ALEXA SXT Studio cameras. The ALEXA SXT W is based on the ALEXA SXT Plus, with the addition of a wireless video transmitter, a WiFi radio and a new internal board that allows faster frame grabs. The new ALEXA line-up includes:

The most economical path to the best overall image quality with anamorphic lenses. Camera creates a ready-to-view ProRes file in the 2K DCI delivery format, with no de-bayering, cropping, rescaling or de-squeezing needed in post.

6:5 ProRes 4K Cine Anamorphic (4096 x 1716)

The most economical path to the best overall image quality with anamorphic lenses. Camera creates a ready-to-view ProRes file in the 4K DCI delivery format, with no de-bayering, cropping, rescaling or de-squeezing needed in post.

Maximum image area and photo site count from a Super 35 ALEXA in combination with the immediacy and speed of ProRes. Same pixel count as ARRIRAW Open Gate 3.4K.

16:9 ARRIRAW 3.2K (3168 x 1782)

The largest number of pixels that can be processed at 120 fps. About half the data of ARRIRAW Open Gate 3.4K. Use full 3.2K image area for most ARRI Super 35 PL lenses, or use 2.8K center for lenses with a smaller image circle (and gain padding).

New ARRI Look Management

Look management from prep to post

Maintain and share the cinematographer's intended look on set, in dailies and in editing

A sensor mode defines an aspect ratio, which defines the area on the sensor that is being captured. A recording format define what is being recorded in-camera in the file. So while a sensor mode defines a certain number of photosites on the sensor, those may be recorded straight or up or down-sampled to create the pixels of the recording format. A distribution format defines how the final product is delivered to the consumer. The contents in the recording format is often up or down-sampled, cropped, repositioned or rotated in post before it becomes the final distribution format.

An example: Choosing a 16:9 sensor mode on the camera allows the further choice of various recording formats. Choosing the 4K UHD recording format means that a 16:9 area from the sensor is read out, up-sampled in camera to a 4K UHD image and then recorded. In this case the recording format of 4K UHD is the same as the distribution format of 4K UHD.

With the 14 different recording formats we have in the ALEXA SXT we are offering the best image quality and most efficient workflow for the most common production, post and distribution requirements. The recording formats are optimized for different budget situations, market segments, distribution resolutions and aspect ratios, lens choices and necessary post steps including the amount of VFX work.